Monklands’ residents feeling lonely and vulnerable this Christmas are being offered a helping hand from North Lanarkshire Council.

For the local authority has launched a special festive guide to help beat the winter blues.

The Surviving Christmas campaign aims to help those suffering from anxiety and depression during the holiday period.

A booklet provides tips and advice to help people deal with pressures including debt, stress and loneliness and was produced in partnership with NHS Lanarkshire.

The survival guide was launched at a suicide prevention training course held at the Civic Centre in Motherwell last week.

Paul Kelly, depute leader of the council, said: “Christmas is a time of celebration but we also recognise that it can also be a period of great stress for people, especially those with mental health issues, financial worries and those concerned perhaps worried about suicide.

“Our Surviving Christmas provides practical help and information to people who many need it at this particular time of the year and hopefully help take some of the stress out of the holiday period for those feeling under pressure.